Aston Villa reach full agreement to sign Johan Manzambi

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Aston Villa have reached a full agreement to sign Freiburg attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi after hijacking Newcastle United’s deal for the Switzerland international.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2026 World Cup as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just four appearances, and he is now on the verge of securing a big-money move to the Premier League less than 48 hours after his nation’s defeat to Argentina.

Manzambi had looked set to join Newcastle this summer, with Eddie Howe’s side desperate to bolster their midfield roster following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, and a deal was in place for him to move to St James’ Park.

However, the transfer was hijacked by Aston Villa, as confirmed by David Ornstein, and the Midlands outfit have now struck a full agreement to purchase the Switzerland star.

That is according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for fee slightly in excess of €60m as Freiburg accept the proposal.

“Verbal agreement also with Manzambi and his agency over personal terms, long term deal in place. Aston Villa completed the hijack.”

Manzambi registered 16 goal contributions in 47 games across all competitions for Freiburg last season and his imminent arrival at Aston Villa could suggest that Morgan Rogers may leave the club before the summer window shuts on 1 September.

What next for Newcastle?

After missing out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool, Newcastle have once again seen a proposed deal hijacked by a Premier League rival and it follows a similar theme from 2025, when moves for Joao Pedro and James Trafford also fell through.

The Magpies have already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon so far this summer, while club captain Bruno Guimaraes wants to leave in order to complete a move to Arsenal.

With a deal for Manzambi now off, Newcastle will be forced to pursue an alternative midfield target, although it remains to be seen who this will be.